It is one of the most anticipated movies of 2015 - but of the hype surrounding Fifty Shades of Grey centers on how Sam Taylor-Johnson has chosen to depict the racier passages from E.L James' book.  That question may have been answered - at least in part - with the news that the film has avoided the restrictive NC-17 rating from US censors. 

Fifty Shades of GreyJamie Dornan plays Christian Grey in Fifty Shades of Grey

The movie, about a handsome billionaire and his submissive plaything, has been handed the R rating, referencing "strong sexual content including dialogue, some unusual behavior and graphic nudity." That rating means those under 17 will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian in the US, though does suggest that the content is milder than initially anticipated. 

More: Fifty Shades of Grey star Jamie Dornan has no problem with racy scenes: "I am a liberal person"

The MPAA suggests Fifty Shades of Grey features only "some adult material" and urges parents to "learn more about the film before taking their young children with them".

The rating may not come as a huge surprise to those who saw early footage from the movie at the annual CinemaCon event in Las Vegas last March, with some critics suggesting most scenes centred on Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan - the two leads - "making moon-eyes at each other".

Fifty Shades of GreyDakota Johnson plays Anastasia Steele in Fifty Shades of Grey

Dornan appeared to confirm that theme in an interview with the Guardian in November, saying the film would "appeal to as wide an audience as possible without grossing them out", adding: "You don't want to make something gratuitous, and ugly, and graphic.There were contracts in place that said that viewers wouldn't be seeing my ... todger."

Fifty Shades of Grey, co-starring Marcia Gay Harden and Jennifer Ehle, hits theaters on February 14, 2015 - Valentines' Day.

Watch the trailer for Fifty Shades of Grey: